Q. I saw a photo on the Web that I’d like to use as my Desktop wallpaper. Can you explain how I can do that?

A. First, be sure any image you’re thinking of using isn’t protected by copyright. There are thousands of usable images available on the Web, so just type “free images” into Google ( www.google.com), or your favorite search engine, to find a copyright-free photo. Most images are fine, as long as they’re for your personal use.

Once you identify the photo you want to use, right-click it and from the menu that appears, select “Set as Wallpaper.” The image will instantly replace whatever wallpaper currently appears on your Desktop.

Q. A few weeks ago you explained how to determine what programs are launching automatically when Windows starts. You mentioned clicking Start > Run, typing in “msconfig” and going to the Startup tab. I disabled a bunch of programs that were running, but every time I start my computer now, I get a message that says the computer is in the selective start-up mode. How can I get back to the regular start-up mode?

A. That selective start-up prompt is only a cautionary message, confirming that you disabled some of the programs that were automatically loading at start-up. The next time that message appears, click to place a check mark in front of “Don't show this message or launch the System Configuration Utility when Windows Starts," followed by OK. That will prevent the message from appearing again in the future.

Q. I’d like to create a computerized journal or diary. Do I need special software to do that and if so, can you recommend any?

A. The easiest method is to use your regular word processor and create a document named “Journal,” or perhaps name the file something like “Broccoli Recipes” as a diversion to keep prying eyes away. For a more sophisticated approach, take a look at Advanced Diary (www.csoftlab.com/Diary.html). It supports multiple diaries and multiple entries for a single day, plus it has an easy-to-use search function, should you wish to find and modify any entries after the subpoena arrives. You can even insert hyperlinks within your text if you want to refer to something elsewhere on the Web. Try Advanced Diary for 30 days, purchase it for $29.95, and best of all, it’s available in 18 languages, including my native tongue, Macedonian.

Mr. Modem's Sites of the Week:

Airline On-Time Statistics
Who among us hasn’t had the experience of racing to the airport to catch a flight, only to get there and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait…but for how long? If you're flying into or out of any airport in North America, you now have access to statistics that may help answer that question. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics provides detailed information regarding airline punctuality, or lack thereof.
http://tinyurl.com/dlzlb

Bird Life International
This 250,000-entry database is literally for the birds. Within the Data Zone you can search for Species, Sites or EBAs. I had no idea what that meant, either, but I learned that it stands for “Endemic Bird Areas.” I then had to look up “endemic” and learned that it means “prevalent in or peculiar to a particular locality or region.” By that time, I lost all interest in birds. The Search Species link permits searches by Family, Genus, Species, or Common Name, though I discovered that “#&%$ pigeons” isn’t an acceptable search term. The database appears to be quite comprehensive, though more focused on providing the endangered status of species and less on providing general information about birds, but it’s still a valuable resource for bird lovers. www.birdlife.org/datazone

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